Conversations about athletes and their salaries are prevalent among fans and media. With information so readily available, players are often judged on how much they get paid compared to others at their position – either on their team or around the league. We discuss their value and whether or not they’re paid according to their worth.

Some players end up negotiating through the media by making comments about their salary, hoping it leads to a better deal. As the 5th highest paid quarterback currently in the league, Aaron Rodgers is the latest to discuss contract talks with the Packers. Most would agree he’s a top QB, so it will be interesting to see if his agent is able to get him a new deal.

Of course, Rodgers is angling for a larger contract and can make a good case for it, but during a recent interview, this comment especially stood out to me: “I know my value in this league, and I know the team appreciates me.”

Millions of dollars are one thing, but you can’t put a price tag on being appreciated…and you certainly can’t negotiate it. You either feel appreciated or you don’t.

Rodgers is one of the fortunate few to have this as a bonus, when many other athletes feel taken for granted by their teams.

But whether we’re a star quarterback or a parent of three, we all want to know we’re appreciated. My encouragement for us today is to think about the important friends and family members in our lives, and let them know how grateful we are for them.

We can easily get caught up in the busyness of life and not take time to thank the people who have made a difference in our lives…or continue to play a key role in making us who we are today. However, when we are blessed by others, we need to make sure they feel appreciated.

This is especially important when it comes to thanking the people who impact our spiritual lives and contribute to building us up in our faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (AMP) says, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction, and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another.”

Today, let’s be filled with appreciation toward others…and also toward the God who has provided so many important people to enter our lives at exactly the right time.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m guilty of not appreciating the blessings and gifts You’ve given me – especially when it comes to the people in my life. Thank you for the spiritual leaders who have poured into me and for the friends and family members who have stuck by me. I’m thankful I don’t have to live life alone. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.